Michelin Challenge Design Unveils 2011 Competition Theme

Global Design Community Challenged to Create Country-Specific Vehicle Concepts for 2021

DETROIT Jan. 11 -- Michelin today announced the 2011 theme for its prestigious global vehicle design competition, Michelin Challenge Design(TM) (MCD), giving entrants a chance to share their transportation concepts for ten years ahead in the year 2021 with 'PLUS 10. The Best is Yet to Come!' Now celebrating its milestone tenth year, this international forum for people who share a passion for design and technical innovation garners hundreds of inspired entries annually spanning 85 countries.

Designers are being asked to render unique vehicle concepts that address the lifestyle preferences and transportation needs of a specific country or region for review by a jury of leading transportation professionals. The vehicle designs that best represent 'PLUS 10. The Best is Yet to Come!' will receive prominent display in the Michelin exhibit at the 2011 North American International Auto Show.

"Milestones are opportunities for reflection and forward thinking," said Tom Chubb, vice president of OE marketing for Michelin North and South America. "Michelin is doing both to celebrate our 10th year of competition by challenging the international design community, both professional and student, to predict or even influence the types of vehicles motorists in their specific country or region would drive in the future."

Previous Michelin Challenge Design competitions have featured design themes including: Italian (2002); French (2003); Cars for the Emerging Chinese market (2004); German (2005); California (2006), Road Safety for Everyone (2007) , Smaller, Safer, Better (2008) Iconic American Vehicles (2009), and Electric Vehicles (2010).

Entry forms, instructions for the 2011 program are available at www.michelinchallengedesign.com.

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs more than 21,500 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations. For more information, please visit www.michelinman.com/the-right-tire.

For more information, visit www.michelinchallengedesign.com